That means legally, she can care for more than 2 children, outside of her own or relatives.

But she believes more parents are using another option.

"Friends who aren't working maybe they need money so they're helping their friends out because no one else has a job."

Heather Williams is a stay at home mom looking to bring in some extra cash.

She plans to open up her home to 2 other children to care for along with her own.

Williams says, "With the economy the way it is, not a whole lot of people are hiring so I decided to put an ad on Craig's List hoping this would give me an opportunity to stay at home with my children."

So when you're looking for an at home day care service provider, what are some of the things that are going to keep your child happy? Well, toys, is certainly on that list.

"They do need to have outside play, they do need to have a set schedule, They need to have an appropriate sleeping time. It all depends on the age of the child, says Jennifer Perney."

Perney with the Family Enrichment Network says most importantly, parents need to do a background check, whether their day care provider is licensed or not.

For more information on how to become a registered day care service provider or a day care referral, you can call the Family Enrichment Network at (607) 723-8313.